Magna Fork Damage

[trapper]

In an earlier post in a different forum, I wrote of getting my V45 back on the rode.  H-O-W-E-V-E-R, it became apparent the something is NOT right with the front end.  I didn't notice it when I had the bike in the hanger, but once I got out on the road, I noticed that the handlebars were turned slightly to the left when I was tracking straight.  A quick check off the bike, confirmed that when I held the handlebars square, the tire is directed just noticeably to the right.  I don't notice any appreciable difference in the ride.  The bike still wants to track straight, (only the handlebars are not square).  It seems to corner fine, and I don't notice it wanting to dive on way or the other.  Understandably, I wasn't riding her very hard.  I cannot see a visible bend in the lower forks or the tubes.

I am hoping to get some insight and some direction to diagnose the cause.

• How can I determine if the forks are bent or twisted?
• Or the tubes?
• Is it possible that the triple tree could be bent?

If it's the tubes or forks, can they be straightened, or is replacement necessary or preferred? 

Thanks in advance for any advice and direction

[TLRam1]

If your forks are apart.

Take the stanchion tube and roll on a piece of glass or take a straight edge to it and move around all sides, on the bike you can do the same with a straight edge but not very effective.

I had a triple tree that was bent, replaced it about a month ago. It was a trial and see process and the last part to replace from a front end I bought was the bottom triple tree. That did the trick, couldn't see the bend in the part though.

Are your handlebars straight?   

[trapper]

Yes, Terry.  The handlebars are straight.  While riding, I can see that the handlebars, risers, instrument cluster and head light housing are all square to each other, but not to the road...

[Greg Cothern]

I bet the bars have a rubber bushing on the risers, get someone to hold the front wheel and then turn the bars in the opposite direction of the offset.  They should come back to center.  UNLESS something is actually bent..

[Slydynbye]

Good point about the rubber bushing, I thought I had a bent riser, bought another one and as I loosened the nut holding the old one BOING it "straightened magically"

[roboto65]

First thing I would do is loosen everything just slightly and try to align it all then.. I had the Banana bike after Candyman laid it down I thought the riser was bent but it was not the handlebar had shifted in the clamp and as soon as I loosened it bingo it all went back into alignment I hope this helps !!!

[trapper]

Hmmm...you guys have given me some ideas.  The handlebars do not appear to be bent...Actually...nothing appears to be bent.  When I sit on the bike and square up the handle bars...everything...the risers, instrument cluster, top clamp, even looking out across the headlight assembly, appear to be in-line, but the front wheel is off.  I can hope that the tubes simply rotated in the clamps.  I'll try loosening the clamps and see if I can get everything to line back up. 

BTW...rode her to work this morning...!!!   

[trapper]

  <====This is Trapper.  Trapper is so very happy.  Why do you suppose Trapper is happy?  Because he listened to all the advice he received from all of the MOOT geniouses in this forum and did as was suggested to him...

I came home after coaching Joseph's 7 on 7 football team and put the bike on the center stand.  Put my jack under the front of the frame to take the weight off of the front tire.  Then, I loosened all the clamps, straddled the front tire and held it between my knees, (included the banged up one), grabbed hold of the handlebars and jostled (sp?) everything back into alignment.  I could feel it move back into place.  Tightened everything down and its looks good.  The test will be the ride in the morning.

Perhaps I could take up Magna chiropractic something or other...

Thanks everyone for all of the help....

[roboto65]

So glad it worked out for you!! This is a great club we have so many nice people it makes me proud to say I belong to it!!!

[trapper]

...This is a great club we have so many nice people it makes me proud to say I belong to it!!!

Indeed it does, Allen...Indeed it does

[TLRam1]

When are you available, I could use some straightening on my shoulder. 

[Greg Cothern]

Glad to hear it Trapper!!!

This IS a awesome group of folks we have here!

[trapper]

That was Magna-practic, Terry...